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April 5, 1974
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
Playoff Race Still Up In Air With 5 CHL Teams Eyeing Spots
OMAHA— The final makeup of the Central Hockey League playoffs may be determined only after the closing weekend of the 1973-74 schedule. At least that’s the outlook is the six-team circuit headed down to the finish line with all four playoff spots still up for grabs. Omaha Knights and Oklahoma City Blazers were locked in a first-place dogfight with ex cry indication the two clubs will settle the CHL regular season championship on the final weekend of the campaign. Each club had six games remaining to play after the March 17 weekend but only one game against each other. II home ice is a factor then the Blazers have an edge with four of their last six games in Oklahoma City. The Knights, with a 23-6-5 home ice log. had three at home…
Overdue Ranger Injury Jinx Arrives, Claims Tkaczuk, Marotte As Victims
No sooner had the deadline passed for trades than that “old debbil” — the Rangers’ stretch drive injury jinx — struck with brutal force. General manager-coach Emile Francis had a full complement of troops at the deadline and didn’t press for any trades, for the first time since 1969-70. But on March 14, against the Chicago Black Hawks, center Walter Tkaczuk broke his jaw. And on March 17, against Boston, defenseman Gilles Marotte was banged up in a collision with Terry O’Reilly and suffered a torn rib cartilage. “Tkaczuk never seemed to get Hurt,” mused Francis. “He was scrambling for the puck with Bill White and Pit Martin and Martin accidentally crosschecked him and drove him into White.” Except for Phil Esposito, there isn’t a stronger center ice player in the NHL.…
Kelly’s 20-Goal Aim Falls Short But Pens Happy With His Muscle
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Penguin left-wing Bob “Battleship” Kelly became a fighter because he knew it was the only way he’d make the NHL. While playing junior hockey with the Fort William Canadiens, Kelly “had a blow up with the coach” that resulted in his missing two seasons. “1 just quit the team, and they didn’t try too hard to get me to come back.” he recalled “The layoff affected my skating and shooting, so I knew I’d have to make it as a fighter.” Kelly hooked on with the Port Arthur club of the Thunder Bay Junior Hockey League, and battled his way from there through the minors for six years, finally making his NHL debut with St. Louis this season. Never a great scorer. Kelly spent a lot of time in the penalty…
Coutu Returns For Start Of Semi-Finals; Maine’s Collapse NAHL Playoff Surprise
LONG ISLAND— Rich Coutu is back in Long Island with veteran Gill summoned to the big Club. With Chicago locked in a struggle for a World Hockey Association playoff berth and Gill playing superb hockey in the Long Island nets, it was decided that Andre was needed up top. Coutu, one of the better goal-tenders to play in the North American League this year, played 20 games with Chicago, posting a 9-10-1 record and a goals against average 3.73. Rich had dazzled Long Island fans earlier in the season with fine play, and had recorded two shutouts with the NAHL Cougars. Gill brings to Chicago a fine 2.73 goals against average in four plus playoff games. His regular season average of 2.63 shows what kind of hockey he has been playing. Whether it’s…
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